While the weather was certainly brisk to say the least, it was bright and sunny as community members gathered for the 13th annual Genesis Express-sponsored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Freedom March.”

Arthur Hopson welcomed everyone as they arrived at the ASK Resource and Youth Services Center, and Rev. Gregory Stallworth opened with a prayer. After Genesis Express members led with the National Anthem, Rev. Jerry Bacon gave the traditional speech on “Why We March.”

Bacon talked about why the slain civil rights leader, who was assassinated in Memphis almost 40 years ago, elected to march above other forms of protest. He said that King had become very fond of the Indian resistance leader Mohandas Gandhi, who chose to bring peace to his country in a nonviolent way no matter the circumstances. Although some associated marching with militancy, they remained nonviolent ways to bring about a change, Bacon said.

Bacon also told the crowd that marching in the local celebration was not only a way to celebrate the King’s legacy, but to show that they had love and concern for their community and county.

“When you see your friends who didn’t make it today, ask them, ‘Why weren’t you there with us? Don’t you care about your community?’ Maybe you could even ask them, ‘Are you the reason we were marching this morning?’”